ERP as a catalyst for transformation
In large enterprises, ERP systems sit at the intersection of two complex pillars — the company’s operating model and its technological foundation. An ERP system shapes decision-making, impacts responsiveness to change, and determines whether the business can scale and manage complexity effectively.
Today, ERP systems must support the dynamics of change: they need to combine technological flexibility with process discipline, ensure transparency and control without sacrificing speed, and provide leadership with a real-time view of the business.
In a guest column for Mind.ua, Kateryna Tatarina, Head of the SAP Business Process Development Office at DTEK Service, and Serhii Maliarenko, Head of SAP Department at MODUS X, explore ERP as a strategic management tool — from both IT and business perspectives. They also explain why the transition of Ukrainian companies to SAP S/4HANA is more than just a technical upgrade — it's a rethinking of how a modern enterprise should operate.
Where IT and Business Converge — That's Where ERP Delivers the Most Value
We say this with confidence, as we have direct experience leading a large-scale SAP rollout across a holding that includes dozens of companies, hundreds of business processes, and thousands of users. From the outset, we viewed ERP not just as software, but as a way to structure the business, make it transparent, predictable, and manageable at every level — regardless of scale.
ERP Is Not Just Modules — It’s the Foundation of Management
ERP is a tool that combines operational logic, control, and strategic governance. We always treat ERP as an operational environment where not only accounting happens, but also process logic, compliance, and analytics are formed. It’s where data discipline and decision accuracy begin.
In practice, this means that implementing SAP is always a rethinking of processes — from how procurement approvals are handled to how board-level reporting is structured. ERP must reflect the real model of company governance, not simply digitize outdated manual workflows.
A modern ERP system should cover all business-critical processes: from procurement to financial close, from production planning to investment performance analysis. SAP brings these processes together into end-to-end cycles, enabling the company to operate as a unified system.
However, for ERP to work effectively, it must be embedded into management culture — into daily decisions, executive reporting, authority delegation, and the rhythm of the business.
At the companies we work with, ERP is no longer just a “system.” It becomes the foundation of the operational model — reshaping how people think, how responsibilities are structured, how control is maintained, and how fast the company evolves.
ERP as a Catalyst for Transformation
ERP is never implemented in a vacuum. Every ERP project is an intervention — into the business structure, into its rules, workflows, and role models. That’s why ERP either accelerates company growth or, if implemented poorly, becomes a bottleneck — creating frustration, workarounds, and hidden Excel spreadsheets.
Implementing SAP S/4HANA is never just a technical project — it’s a transformational journey. It challenges habits: how purchases are approved, how budgets are formed, how repairs or payments are managed.
We often see companies operating on systems implemented 10–15 years ago. While they may have been effective at the time, today the landscape has changed:
New business units have been added
Reporting requirements (IFRS, ESG, internal control systems) have increased
Digital channels and mobile services have emerged
Security risks have grown
There’s a need for real-time centralized data and resource management
One of the biggest ERP mistakes is trying to digitize outdated and inefficient processes. In SAP, we embed the logic of “how it should be,” not “how it used to be.” That’s the true impact of transformation.
ERP should not hold the business back — it should match its complexity. If the system can’t keep up, it’s time to change it.
Transitioning to SAP S/4HANA: When and How?
The decision to move to SAP S/4HANA is one of the most pressing issues for companies running legacy systems — whether SAP ERP or 1C. It’s not just about technological evolution — it’s a strategic choice about the future. The key criterion isn’t the support end date — it’s whether the company can grow based on relevant data and modern processes.
Many companies delay the transition for years, even while spending countless hours reconciling data manually, using parallel Excel workflows, and managing approvals without transparent logic.
There is no universal blueprint, but three key principles do exist:
Start with processes, not modules
Design architecture with the future in mind — not the past
Ensure synergy between IT and business
For business leaders, moving to S/4HANA is not just about system renewal — it’s about building a foundation for analytics, flexibility, and resilience. It’s about making the company controllable at every level. Above all, it’s a choice for growth, not just survival in outdated architectures.
The Advantages of SAP S/4HANA for the Modern Enterprise
SAP S/4HANA is a platform designed for today’s demands — speed, digital security, analytics integration, and scalability. Its architecture enables the creation of a flexible business ecosystem, not just an accounting tool — one that covers every link in the management chain, from production staff to the CFO.
One of its standout advantages is in-memory data processing, which enables large volumes of information to be handled in real time, without delays. For large enterprises, this means instant access to financial, logistics, production, and HR data. Even more importantly, it enables a transparent decision-making model, where information is always current and reliable.
With SAP S/4HANA, we now have a platform that unifies business, analytics, processes, and control in a single space. And most importantly — it’s scalable for the needs of a constantly evolving holding.
The Key Benefits of SAP S/4HANA We See in Practice:
A unified data model across all legal entities and departments
Built-in analytics and real-time performance monitoring
Powerful tools for budget control and cost efficiency
Centralized master data and a clear role-based access model (SoD)
Full integration with e-document management, mobile services, and cloud environments
Support for risk management, audits, and regulatory compliance (including ESG and IFRS)
Open architecture for future scaling and transformation (SAP BTP, AI, ML)
SAP S/4HANA is the foundation for the future — for fast response, sustainable growth, and success in complex markets. Its greatest advantage? SAP doesn’t dictate a path — it unlocks possibilities. If a company is ready to think strategically, SAP is ready to lead the way.
